Skip to main content

Vintage Automatic Watch

to
97
1,043
188
1,150
542
517
348
300
132
132
104
45
28
13
10
5
3
2
1
1
1
1
623
249
29
25
23
Sort By
Vintage Steel IWC International Watch Company Automatic Wristwatch, 1960s
Vintage Steel IWC International Watch Company Automatic Wristwatch, 1960s

Vintage Steel IWC International Watch Company Automatic Wristwatch, 1960s

Located in Bologna, IT

A vintage steel IWC International Watch Company automatic wrist watch with date, dating from the

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage Longines Grand Prize Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, 1956
Vintage Longines Grand Prize Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, 1956

Vintage Longines Grand Prize Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, 1956

By Longines

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1956 Vintage Longines Grand Prize Automatic Stainless Steel Watch. Reference 2305-SW. Original

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Omega Automatic Reference FX6040 Stainless Steel Watch, 1958
Vintage Omega Automatic Reference FX6040 Stainless Steel Watch, 1958

Vintage Omega Automatic Reference FX6040 Stainless Steel Watch, 1958

By Omega

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1958 Vintage Omega Automatic Ref. FX 6040 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Longines Automatic Reference 2534 Stainless Steel Watch, 1961
Vintage Longines Automatic Reference 2534 Stainless Steel Watch, 1961

Vintage Longines Automatic Reference 2534 Stainless Steel Watch, 1961

By Longines

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1961 Vintage Longines Ref. 2534 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied Steel

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage 1970s Stainless Steel Roamer Searock Automatic Ladies Watch
Vintage 1970s Stainless Steel Roamer Searock Automatic Ladies Watch

Vintage 1970s Stainless Steel Roamer Searock Automatic Ladies Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful pre-owned automatic ( self winding) ladies watch is in good working condition and it

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

IWC Vintage 18 Karat Rose Gold Automatic Men's Watch
IWC Vintage 18 Karat Rose Gold Automatic Men's Watch

IWC Vintage 18 Karat Rose Gold Automatic Men's Watch

By IWC

Located in New York, NY

) Model: Vintage Display: Analog Serial Number: Vintage Watch Shape: Round Year of Manufacture: Not

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Corum Vintage Ultra Thin Stainless Steel Automatic Men's Watch
Corum Vintage Ultra Thin Stainless Steel Automatic Men's Watch

Corum Vintage Ultra Thin Stainless Steel Automatic Men's Watch

By Corum

Located in New York, NY

Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Age Group: Adult Water Resistance Rating: 50 m (5 ATM) Model: Vintage

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1970s Gold-Plated / Stainless Steel Rado Automatic Watch
Vintage 1970s Gold-Plated / Stainless Steel Rado Automatic Watch

Vintage 1970s Gold-Plated / Stainless Steel Rado Automatic Watch

By RADO

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful vintage mechanical watch is in good working condition and and it keeps a good time

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1970s Stainless Steel Seiko 5 Automatic Gents Watch
Vintage 1970s Stainless Steel Seiko 5 Automatic Gents Watch

Vintage 1970s Stainless Steel Seiko 5 Automatic Gents Watch

By Seiko

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful 39mm diameter vintage mechanical watch is in good working condition and it is

Category

Vintage 1970s Japanese Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated Rotary 21 Jewels Automatic Watch
Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated Rotary 21 Jewels Automatic Watch

Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated Rotary 21 Jewels Automatic Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful pre-owned 35mm diameter vintage mechanical watch is in good working condition and it

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 1601 Vintage Silver Linen Dial Automatic Mens Watch
Rolex Datejust 1601 Vintage Silver Linen Dial Automatic Mens Watch

Rolex Datejust 1601 Vintage Silver Linen Dial Automatic Mens Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Datejust 1601 VIntage Silver Linen Dial Automatic Mens Watch 36MM

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver

Rolex Submariner 5513 Vintage Feet First Matte Mens Automatic Watch
Rolex Submariner 5513 Vintage Feet First Matte Mens Automatic Watch

Rolex Submariner 5513 Vintage Feet First Matte Mens Automatic Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Submariner 5513 Vintage Feet First Matte 2.8 Mil Mens Automatic Watch 40mm

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Omega Automatic Reference 2420-1 Stainless Steel Watch, 1944
Vintage Omega Automatic Reference 2420-1 Stainless Steel Watch, 1944

Vintage Omega Automatic Reference 2420-1 Stainless Steel Watch, 1944

By Omega

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1944 Vintage Omega Automatic Reference 2420-1. Stainless Steel case, that measures in at 33mm wide

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Submariner 5512 Men's Automatic Vintage Watch Tropical Gilt Dial
Rolex Submariner 5512 Men's Automatic Vintage Watch Tropical Gilt Dial

Rolex Submariner 5512 Men's Automatic Vintage Watch Tropical Gilt Dial

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Submariner Reference #:5512. Rolex Submariner 5512 Mens Automatic Vintage Watch Tropical Gilt

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Tudor Submariner 94010 Men’s Automatic Vintage Watch Black Dial SS
Tudor Submariner 94010 Men’s Automatic Vintage Watch Black Dial SS

Tudor Submariner 94010 Men’s Automatic Vintage Watch Black Dial SS

By Tudor

Located in Miami, FL

Tudor Submariner Reference #:94010. Tudor Submariner 94010 Mens Automatic Vintage Watch Black Dial

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Vintage 1970s Stainless Steel Blue Dial Ladies Seiko Automatic Watch
Vintage 1970s Stainless Steel Blue Dial Ladies Seiko Automatic Watch

Vintage 1970s Stainless Steel Blue Dial Ladies Seiko Automatic Watch

By Seiko

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful vintage mechanical/ automatic watch is in good working condition and it is running

Category

Vintage 1970s Japanese Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Glycine 18k Yellow Gold Men's Vintage Vacuum Automatic Watch 2472
Glycine 18k Yellow Gold Men's Vintage Vacuum Automatic Watch 2472

Glycine 18k Yellow Gold Men's Vintage Vacuum Automatic Watch 2472

By Glycine

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

Glycine 18k Yellow Gold Men's Vintage Vacuum Automatic Watch 2472 Movement #2472 Case #0812-35367

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Reference 1500 Two-Tone Watch, 1969
Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Reference 1500 Two-Tone Watch, 1969

Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Reference 1500 Two-Tone Watch, 1969

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1969 Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Ref. 1500 Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel watch with

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage 1980s Seiko 5 Sports 21 Jewels Date Automatic Watch
Vintage 1980s Seiko 5 Sports 21 Jewels Date Automatic Watch

Vintage 1980s Seiko 5 Sports 21 Jewels Date Automatic Watch

By Seiko

Located in Carlisle, GB

This pre-owned 45mm case diameter automatic watch is partly working but it keep stopping. it

Category

Vintage 1980s Japanese Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

TAG Heuer Vintage Submariner Stainless Steel Men's Watch Automatic 980.033
TAG Heuer Vintage Submariner Stainless Steel Men's Watch Automatic 980.033

TAG Heuer Vintage Submariner Stainless Steel Men's Watch Automatic 980.033

By TAG Heuer

Located in New York, NY

Rating: 100 m (10 ATM) Model: Vintage Submariner Display: Analog Serial Number: 980.033 Watch Shape

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic Men's Watch
Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic Men's Watch

Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic Men's Watch

By Jaeger-LeCoultre

Located in New York, NY

: 50 m (5 ATM) Model: Vintage Display: Analog Serial Number: VNTG Watch Shape: Round Year of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage 1950s Gold Plated and Stainless Steel Back Automatic Watch
Vintage 1950s Gold Plated and Stainless Steel Back Automatic Watch

Vintage 1950s Gold Plated and Stainless Steel Back Automatic Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful pre-owned mid-size automatic Swiss watch is in good working condition and is running

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel 1970s Vintage Favre-Leuba 25 Jewels Automatic Watch
Stainless Steel 1970s Vintage Favre-Leuba 25 Jewels Automatic Watch

Stainless Steel 1970s Vintage Favre-Leuba 25 Jewels Automatic Watch

By Favre Leuba

Located in Carlisle, GB

This charming Pre-own 36mm diameter(excluding crown) vintage mechanical watch is working and it is

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Ref. 1500 Two-Tone Watch, 1979
Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Ref. 1500 Two-Tone Watch, 1979

Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Ref. 1500 Two-Tone Watch, 1979

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A 1979 Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Reference 1500. 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel case. Fluted

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Asprey Vintage Rare Automatic Men's Watch SIlver Opaline Dial 18k YG
Asprey Vintage Rare Automatic Men's Watch SIlver Opaline Dial 18k YG

Asprey Vintage Rare Automatic Men's Watch SIlver Opaline Dial 18k YG

By Asprey

Located in Miami, FL

Asprey Vintage Rare Automatic Men's Watch SIlver Opaline Dial 18k YG 35MM

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Jules Jurgensen Automatic Watch w/ Champagne Dial
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Jules Jurgensen Automatic Watch w/ Champagne Dial

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Jules Jurgensen Automatic Watch w/ Champagne Dial

By Jules Jurgensen

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Jules Jurgensen Automatic Watch w/ Champagne Dial Movement #1740 Automatic

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Bubble Back Automatic Watch
Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Bubble Back Automatic Watch

Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Bubble Back Automatic Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This charming 36mm diameter vintage gold plated automatic watch is in good working condition and it

Category

Vintage 1960s German Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Bulova 14k Yellow Gold Vintage 1956 Self Winding 'Automatic' Men's Watch
Bulova 14k Yellow Gold Vintage 1956 Self Winding 'Automatic' Men's Watch

Bulova 14k Yellow Gold Vintage 1956 Self Winding 'Automatic' Men's Watch

By Bulova

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

Bulova 14k Yellow Gold Vintage 1956 Self Winding (Automatic) Men's Watch Movement #: 11ACAC Case

Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1950s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back Swiss Automatic Watch
Vintage 1950s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back Swiss Automatic Watch

Vintage 1950s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back Swiss Automatic Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful pre-owned 34mm Watch diameter vintage swiss automatic wristwatch is in good working

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Omega Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Plated Men's Watch Automatic V
Omega Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Plated Men's Watch Automatic V

Omega Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Plated Men's Watch Automatic V

By Omega

Located in New York, NY

(10 ATM) Model: Vintage Display: Analog Serial Number: Vintage Watch Shape: Round Year of Manufacture

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Girard Perregaux Vintage 1945 18k Yellow Gold Automatic Men's Watch 2596
Girard Perregaux Vintage 1945 18k Yellow Gold Automatic Men's Watch 2596

Girard Perregaux Vintage 1945 18k Yellow Gold Automatic Men's Watch 2596

By Girard Perregaux

Located in New York, NY

Resistance Rating: 30 m (3 ATM) Model: Vintage 1945 Display: Analog Serial Number: 2596 Watch Shape

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Longines Ultra-Chron Automatic Wrist Watch, 1970s
Vintage 18 Karat Gold Longines Ultra-Chron Automatic Wrist Watch, 1970s

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Longines Ultra-Chron Automatic Wrist Watch, 1970s

By Longines

Located in Bologna, IT

A vintage 18K gold Longines Ultra-Chron automatic, dating from the 1970s. BRAND Longines (product

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1950s Mappin & Webb Stainless Steel Automatic with Sweep Seconds Watch
Vintage 1950s Mappin & Webb Stainless Steel Automatic with Sweep Seconds Watch

Vintage 1950s Mappin & Webb Stainless Steel Automatic with Sweep Seconds Watch

By Mappin & Webb

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful and excellent quality pre-owned vintage watch is in good working condition and it is

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1950s Mappin & Webb Stainless Steel Automatic with Sweep Seconds Watch
Vintage 1950s Mappin & Webb Stainless Steel Automatic with Sweep Seconds Watch

Vintage 1950s Mappin & Webb Stainless Steel Automatic with Sweep Seconds Watch

By Mappin & Webb

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful and excellent quality pre-owned vintage watch is in good working condition and it is

Category

Vintage 1950s British Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back Automatic Swiss Watch
Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back Automatic Swiss Watch

Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back Automatic Swiss Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful pre-owned watch is working and it is running well. Visible signs of ageing and wear

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark I Men’s Automatic Vintage Watch White Dial SS
Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark I Men’s Automatic Vintage Watch White Dial SS

Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark I Men’s Automatic Vintage Watch White Dial SS

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Submariner Reference #:1680. Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark I Mens Automatic Vintage Watch White

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex GMT-Master 16753 Vintage Men’s Automatic Watch Black Dial Two-Tone
Rolex GMT-Master 16753 Vintage Men’s Automatic Watch Black Dial Two-Tone

Rolex GMT-Master 16753 Vintage Men’s Automatic Watch Black Dial Two-Tone

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex GMT Master Reference #:16753. Rolex GMT-Master 16753 Vintage Mens Automatic Watch Black Dial

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Vintage Lucien Piccard Automatic 14 Karat Gold Wrist Watch with Crocodile Band
Vintage Lucien Piccard Automatic 14 Karat Gold Wrist Watch with Crocodile Band

Vintage Lucien Piccard Automatic 14 Karat Gold Wrist Watch with Crocodile Band

By Lucien Piccard

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Lucien Piccard automatic movement 14k yellow gold watch with a round face and a red

Category

Mid-20th Century Swazi Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage Deco 14 Karat Gold Wittnauer Automatic Watch with Original Suede Band
Vintage Deco 14 Karat Gold Wittnauer Automatic Watch with Original Suede Band

Vintage Deco 14 Karat Gold Wittnauer Automatic Watch with Original Suede Band

By Wittnauer

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Wittnaur 14k yellow gold watch with a round face and an automatic movement. The watch is

Category

Mid-20th Century Swazi Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Vintage Automatic Watch", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Vintage Automatic Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage automatic watch for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, Stainless Steel and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 375 vintage or 29 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for a vintage automatic watch from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. A vintage automatic watch from Rolex, Omega and Seiko — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A vintage automatic watch can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 3, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes alternatives. Most of our vintage automatic watch for sale are for men, but there are 112 pieces available to browse for women.

How Much is a Vintage Automatic Watch?

On average, a vintage automatic watch at 1stDibs sells for $3,734, while they’re typically $135 on the low end and $185,803 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.

In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.

Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.

Questions About Vintage Automatic Watch
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    It depends. Some Omega watch models feature automatic movement, which charges itself from the motion of your wrist as you wear it. Omega also offers quartz watches as well, which must be wound. Browse a wide range of Omega watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Omega has automatic watches. Most of the Omega Constellation watches, including the Omega Constellation Globemaster, are automatic watches. An automatic watch uses the motion of the wearer to power the winding mechanism. Find vintage and contemporary Omega watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    An automatic watch means a watch that is self-winding. It is a mechanical watch which is powered by the natural motion of the wearer.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, as of December 2021, all of the timepieces made by Omega are automatic watches. In the past, Omega did offer mechanical watches. Some of the watchmaker's most well-known collections are the Constellation, the Seamaster and the Speedmaster. Shop a selection of Omega watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Rolex watches are automatic. They run on a perpetual rotor that uses the movement of the wearer’s wrist to transfer energy to the mainspring of the watch. In fact, a ticking Rolex could indicate a fake! Shop professionally vetted Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 1, 2024
    Yes, some Cartier watches are automatic but the legendary French luxury house also creates collections that include watches with quartz movements. Cartier’s iconic Tank collection, which includes the Tank Française, the Tank Louis Cartier and other models, features both quartz and automatic options for all kinds of collectors. Each of the watches in the Panthère collection, however, carries a quartz movement.

    While quartz watches are powered by a pre-installed battery and a high-frequency quartz crystal, automatic watches rely on a spring system and are self-winding. An automatic watch does not have a battery and is recharged on the wrist owing to the wearer’s movements during the day.

    It was Louis Cartier, grandson of Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier, who was responsible for bringing watchmaking to the venerable maison when he presented Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont with a wristwatch in 1904. 

    Although the pocket watch was the de rigueur men’s accessory of the day, Santos-Dumont found his own pocket watch hard to consult while keeping his plane aloft. Louis fashioned a timepiece with a flat, square case on a leather strap that could be referred to easily at a glance. Named in honor of Louis’s friend, the Santos was eventually produced for sale in 1911. 

    Find vintage Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A vintage watch is any watch that is at least two decades old. A model number can usually be found on a watch's movement for identification purposes, and date marks on the back of a watch can usually tell you if it is vintage. Vintage timepieces have made a comeback for serious collectors as well as casual enthusiasts all over the world. Find a collection of vintage watches on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The gold content of a vintage watch will depend on the make and model of the watch. Gold is a popular choice for luxury watches due to its finish and yellow-golden hue that can be achieved through gold or gold-plated bands. Shop a wide selection of expertly vetted vintage watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    The easiest way to determine if a watch is vintage is to look for a date on the back. If the date is more than 20 years old, the timepiece would be considered vintage. If a watch lacks a date, a certified appraiser has the knowledge and experience needed to determine its age. Find a variety of watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
    A vintage-style watch is a contemporary timepiece with a design that draws inspiration from watches produced in previous eras. To be considered a vintage watch rather than a vintage-style watch, a timepiece must be at least 20 years old. Antique watches are at least 100 years old. Explore a wide variety of vintage watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    There is no single most sought-after vintage watch. Trends in collecting do vary over time, but some watches have reached an iconic status and tend to remain popular among collectors year after year. Examples of such watches include the Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 105.003, the TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B, Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 96, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5402, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921, the Longines 13ZN Chronograph, the Zenith El Primero Ref. A384, the Tudor Submariner Ref. 7928, the Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806, the IWC Big Pilot Ref. 5002, the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier, the Breguet Type XX, the Universal Genève Polerouter, the Seiko 6139 "Pogue," the Hamilton Ventura and the Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 165.014. Shop a diverse assortment of vintage watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    To determine how old your vintage watch is, first do some research using trusted online resources. Start by looking at the back of your watch to see if there are any numbers, such as serial or model numbers. Cross-referencing these numbers with online reference guides can often give you a rough idea of when a watch was produced. If you can't find any type of identifying number, you can learn more about the maker to find out when it crafted similar watches or have a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert assist you with the dating process. Shop a wide range of watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024
    To identify a vintage Omega watch, first find its serial number. On most vintage timepieces, this number appears on the inside of the caseback. By cross-referencing the number with the information provided by trusted online resources, you can learn what model your watch is and discover other details like its ownership history. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage Omega watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Seiko watches include a few different identifying marks. Before 1970, serial numbers were seven digits, and limited-edition models had a piece number. Modern Seiko watches have a six-digit serial number, which includes the manufacturing date. You can also shop expertly vetted vintage Seiko watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    To identify a vintage Hamilton watch, grab a magnifying glass and look for its model number, serial number and case number. Most timepieces produced by Hamilton will display one, two or all three of these numbers. The model and case numbers generally appear on the back of the case, and you can usually find the serial number on the lugs. You can enter these numbers into the search tool on the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors's official website to learn about your watch's age, style name and other characteristics. If you have any difficulty, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can help you. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of vintage Hamilton watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
    To date a vintage LeCoultre watch, the best approach is to use the serial number. You can cross-reference the number on your timepiece to information published on trusted online resources to determine its year of production. The serial number appears on the watch's movement, so it's necessary to remove the case back to examine it. If you're unfamiliar with how to do this safely, you may wish to have an authorized repair person open your watch. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Jaeger-LeCoultre watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    All Elgin watches are at least vintage, if not antiques. In the 1960s, the Elgin National Watch Company discontinued its watch production, and by the 1980s, the Elgin brand was phased out completely by the company it had previously merged with. Since any timepiece between 20 and 99 years old is vintage, many Elgin watches fall under that category. Any Elgin watch that is 100 years old or older is antique. You can identify an antique Elgin watch using the serial number, which you'll find inside the movement. By cross-referencing the serial number found on your timepiece to information published on trusted online resources, you can identify its year of production. If your watch doesn't have a serial number, it was likely produced in the 18th century, making it an antique. If you'd like assistance with dating your watch, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a variety of Elgin watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    To identify your vintage Omega watch, first find its serial number. Those made before 1944 have seven-digit numbers; from 1944 on, the numbers have eight digits. On vintage models, the serial number is engraved on the inside of the case back.You can cross-reference this number online to find out what model your watch is. Explore a wide variety of Omega watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Wind a vintage Omega watch by twisting the crown at the side in a clockwise direction. Stop winding once you feel the movement of the crown stop. Browse a range of authenticated vintage and contemporary Omega watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The best vintage Omega timepiece to buy is largely a matter of personal preference. The Seamaster and Speedmaster are two timeless options available in a variety of finishes and styles. No matter which watch you choose, only buy from a reputable dealer or online platform to ensure you receive an authentic timepiece. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Omega watches on 1stDibs.